Hundreds rally for Boundary Waters as critical Senate vote looms
The fight to protect the Boundary Waters has reached a critical turning point. Following a Day of Action at the Minnesota State Capitol, all eyes are now on the U.S. Senate…
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Good winter camping etiquette in the Boundary Waters
Minnesotans have become increasingly interested in winter camping, particularly in the BWCA. But, as in other seasons, it’s essential to minimize your impact and practice good etiquette. We’re sharing both written and unwritten guidelines to help everyone enjoy a positive experience while protecting the natural environment.
Congress takes unprecedented steps to overturn 20-year mining ban near BWCA
The Trump administration and Rep. Pete Stauber are using the Congressional Review Act in an unprecedented effort to undo a 20-year mineral leasing withdrawal in the Superior National Forest. Critics warn the move sets a dangerous precedent and threatens the Boundary Waters watershed.
Minnesota DNR approves Twin Metals exploratory drilling plan near BWCAW
The Minnesota DNR has approved a plan by Franconia Minerals, a Twin Metals Minnesota subsidiary, to drill for metallic minerals near Birch Lake, about nine miles south of Ely. The approval allows 19 exploratory drill sites along the shoreline and beneath the lake, which drains into the BWCA—prompting concerns about pollution risks to the protected watershed.
Choose your adventure on the Bass Lake Trail
If giant ridges flanked with red and white pines towering over crystal-clear, undeveloped lakes sound like your happy place, make sure to visit the Bass Lake Trail. The elevation changes and rocky footing makes this rewarding for experienced hikers, while the varying route options make it accessible for families and those with less experience. Hike, snowshoe or paddle, for a true choose-your-own-adventure.
Closure order issued near the Horse River in the BWCAW
A lightning strike sparked a wildfire near the Horse River in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This comes after an active wildfire season has scorched nearly 30,000 acres in the Superior National Forest this year. The Forest Service has issued a closure order for the route along the Dog Sled Portage and has encouraged visitors to avoid the area.
8 must-see waterfalls in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Waterfalls and cascades appear throughout many parts of the BWCAW. These natural features, often found between lakes and rivers, add excitement and beauty for paddlers and anglers exploring by canoe. Many portage trails follow these dynamic stretches of moving water. In fact, these waterfalls are a big reason portages exist in the first place.
Advocacy group purchases land near the BWCAW
Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness recently purchased 361 acres of land along the South Kawishiwi River. This scenic river borders the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and is considered one of America’s most endangered rivers.
Biden administration builds on historic efforts toward clean water
The administration recently announced a goal to protect 30 percent of lands and waters throughout the United States by 2030. This includes protection from mining impacts near wilderness areas such as the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA).
New Voyageurs education program reaches students of all ages far beyond park borders
Its a new era at Voyageurs National Park – reaching students of all ages with mobile classroom, virtual sessions, teen ambassadors. Young people can learn about the park from near and far, and throughout their educational careers.
Advocates aim to save historic BWCA hiking trails
Boundary Waters Heritage Trails is a new non-profit with the expressed interest in promoting and preserving historic trails within the BWCAW.
An unforgettable 12-day journey through the heart of the BWCA
No matter how well you plan your BWCA canoe trip, not everything goes as expected. This journey through the Boundary Waters was no exception. Rough water, difficult portages were just the beginning.
New BWCA report calls for more public engagement
A wide range of stakeholders weigh in on how the BWCAW is managed. Interviews with dozens of wilderness users and other stakeholders resulted in new recommendations.
Boundary Waters receives ‘International Quiet Park’ designation
The BWCAW’s lack of human noise is recognized as increasingly important. This award honors the quietest places in the world.
Historic photos celebrate centennial of Superior National Forest recreation plan
Forest Service notes anniversary of first major call to protect canoe country.
Crew replaces wooden Stairway Portage with stone, works entirely by hand
The famous wooden staircase connecting Rose and Duncan Lakes in the BWCA was recently replaced with stone. No power tools could be used and the portage stayed open…
New Yorker podcast documents sounds and experiences of Boundary Waters canoe trip
“I came here with my recorder hoping to capture what so envelops me here,” says Alex Kotlowitz about the BWCA. “The mournful wails of loons at night, the lakes telling stories, the skies shouting…”
Canada to resume remote area border crossing permits, allow travel between Boundary Waters and Quetico
Permits shut down due to pandemic will soon be available again to people paddling between U.S. and Canada.
Adventurer Emily Ford faced slush, wind, ice in 200-mile Boundary Waters crossing
Ford says she’d cross a thousand miles of wilderness to help more kids experience the outdoors, and her fundraising will make sure some do.
Boundary Waters Wildfires 2021
Superior Hiking Trail closed, Boundary Waters closed due to fires. Updated maps, photos from fires in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Superior National Forest as official information is available. Greenwood Fire grows, Moose Lake Fire detected…